That is a great write up. I've done this job 3 times since owning my G-Wagon.

The only thing i did not see was the sealant (which is included in the rebuild kit) to keep the grease from drying out.

Thanks for the great write up. Just finished this job. No fun. Your write-up was very useful, however.

The grease in my joints was completely dried up and barely there. In the rear one, which had a tear in the boot, the grease was like used coffee grounds on the boot side likely from interacting with water and other contaminants. The other joint and the cap end of the rear joint, the grease was like dried, caked mud - slippery mud, but mud nonetheless. I can't imagine there was much lubricating properties in there. The balls showed significant signs of heat discoloration and the grooves appeared worn. Accounts well for the vibrations I've been experiencing. BTW, my G has 165000KMs and is a 2002. I highly doubt this was ever serviced by previous owners. I will be opening it up again in 4-5 years max.

Steve

Mark's question is interesting. This 463 short shaft actually is "serviceable," unlike the later than 1981 or 1982, 460 shafts which uses a staked-in U-joint.  If these 463 shafts could be interchangeable with 460 shafts, this might create yet another solution to a problematic short shaft.

The down side, however, is that they are likely even more expensive than the 1,200$US for a non-MB, aftermarket shaft that uses C-clipped-in (and serviceable)  U-Joints. Worth knowing, however, if one is traveling very remotely and the center shaft fails on a 460, and all that is available for parts is a MB dealership (in the US and Canada anyway).

Congratulations thank you for sharing

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Absolutely a great post. Since a week I'm experiencing vibrations when driving away. After reaching a speed of approx 40-50 kph the vibrations are over. Yet, returning when slowing down. I've had this problem 4-5 years ago and by replacing the homokinetic shaft, the vibrations were gone. Until a week ago. They came back.

When I replaced the shaft I replaced it with a used one. Now I have to replace it again and are now looking for a new repair set, and I guess I need 2 homokinetic shafts. Did I presume right? Thanks for any insights.

regards,

Absolutely a great post. Since a week I'm experiencing vibrations when driving away. After reaching a speed of approx 40-50 kph the vibrations are over. Yet, returning when slowing down. I've had this problem 4-5 years ago and by replacing the homokinetic shaft, the vibrations were gone. Until a week ago. They came back.

When I replaced the shaft I replaced it with a used one. Now I have to replace it again and are now looking for a new repair set, and I guess I need 2 homokinetic shafts. Did I presume right? Thanks for any insights.

regards,

Absolutely a great post. Since a week I'm experiencing vibrations when driving away. After reaching a speed of approx 40-50 kph the vibrations are over. Yet, returning when slowing down. I've had this problem 4-5 years ago and by replacing the homokinetic shaft, the vibrations were gone. Until a week ago. They came back.

When I replaced the shaft I replaced it with a used one. Now I have to replace it again and are now looking for a new repair set, and I guess I need 2 homokinetic shafts. Did I presume right? Thanks for any insights.

regards,